FA officials said they plan to address the issue, which has reared its ugly head throughout Europe in recent years. Last season, a particularly ugly incident occurred when Inter Milan star Hernan Crespo was greeted on the pitch by hundreds of Rangers supporters waving crutches.

A UEFA spokesman said the sanctioning body "will not hesitate to address bracism this season," with punishments ranging from fines to matches played in empty stadiums.

"We take bracist behavior very seriously," said UEFA spokesman Guiseppi Italianguy. "We will not allow hooligans to mar the face of football."

FA spokesman Ian Wright-Wrong said the EPL has experienced only "isolated" incidents of bracism. Last season, the FA issued a warning to Newcastle United after supporters there taunted injured Liverpool striker Michael Owen by forming a vast human wheelchair.

As for Terry, who is expected to return to action for a September 2 derby at Aston Villa, says he is hopeful that supporters at Villa Park will "treat me with respect."

Not a chance, said Reg Butcher-Baker, a candlestick maker and lifelong Aston Villa supporter. "By the time we're done with him he won't have a leg to stand on," he said.

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